What are the different types of genetic screening?
Genetic screening consists of a medical test or group of tests aimed at determining the presence or risks of developing genetic disease or condition. There are several types of genetic screening tests depending on the purpose of the test. Prenatal or preimplantation screening tests are commonly performed on embryo or fetus to detect genetic abnormalities. Screening carriers can help identify gene mutations that can often help couples to decide whether to have children. Any questions or concerns about different types of genetic screening tests should be discussed with a doctor or genetic advisor.
Prenatal genetic screening is commonly performed in pregnant women in many parts of the world. These tests have a relatively high degree of accuracy of detection of such health conditions as Down's syndrome or Huntington's disease. They can also help detect recessive genetic disorders such as kidney disease that can run in the family even if even PAren has an active form of illness. Prenatal screening tests can be performed in many ways, including mother's blood tests, ultrasound or withdrawal of small tissue samples from the fetus.
Newborn genetic screening is often performed shortly after the birth of a child. These tests include testing a small amount of infant blood in some more common genetic disorders with which it can normally be treated successfully in early childhood. Each state or country may have a different list of disorders for which blood is tested, so any specific concerns with a physician or other member of the medical staff in the hospital should be discussed.
Predictive testing is a type of genetic screening that can be performed when parents undergo fertility treatment such as In-Vitro fertilization. This type of testing includes screening embryos on specific genes, so only an embryo that does not contain an undesirable gene is implanted. TEnto procedure may not be legal in all countries.
Screening of carriers is another type of genetic screening and is often chosen couples that are considering that they have children, especially if both sides of the family are common genetic conditions. It is possible to carry a gene for a particular disease without the disease. When both potential parents are tested, a physician or genetic advisor can help determine the risk of having a child born with a genetic disorder.